October is here, and with it comes TAPSOSA’s focus on the Negative Impact of Insourcing in the Industry & Benefits of Upskilling Industry Workforce
Insourcing & Industry Skills. This month, we shine a light on the negative impact of insourcing in the industry and how empowering our workforce through skills development and can elevate the private security sector in South Africa. By focusing on people, training, and fair employment, we are building an industry that is not only stronger but more sustainable and equitable.
Why Skills Development Matters?
The private security sector is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, security protocols, and operational challenges emerging every day. To meet these demands, our workforce needs to be:
- Highly trained in modern security techniques.
- Adaptable and digitally literate, capable of handling technology-driven security solutions.
- Legally and ethically informed, ensuring compliance and professional conduct.
- Management of crowd control and event management.
Investing in skills development benefits everyone: security personnel gain confidence and career progression opportunities, employers see improved service quality, and the industry becomes more credible and professional.
Cross-case lessons to be learned on insourcing:
Poor readiness assessment / flawed costing — many departments missed the full HR, benefits, training and management costs of insourcing -the Northern Cape analysis explicitly found outsourcing cheaper under their assumptions.
Weak vetting & HR transition — failing to verify/security-vet staff early created dismissals, litigation and gaps in coverage (Joburg example).
Insufficient budget & operational capacity — payroll + asset protection budgets were underestimated, leading to service gaps and asset losses.
The importance of risk assessment prior to deployment
Political/policy stop-start risk — changes in local political coalitions or fractured support stall implementation (Tshwane, Ekurhuleni examples).
Governance & oversight weaknesses — forensic findings show that poor controls during transitions increase risk of fraud, waste and poor outcomes.
TAPSOSA’s Initiatives This Month
Throughout October, TAPSOSA is launching a series of initiatives to support our members:
- Training Workshops & Webinars: Covering technical skills, leadership, and digital tools in security management.
- Highlight the negative impact of insourcing of private security services: Lessons from Failed Insourcing of Private Security Services in South Africa
- Spotlight on Success Stories: Showcasing members who have transformed their careers through training and fair employment.
- Interactive Forums: Opportunities for members to discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and network with industry leaders.
How You Can Participate
- Attend workshops and webinars to enhance your skills.
- Explore insourcing models and advocate for fair employment in your company.
- Share your experiences and challenges with TAPSOSA so we can support you better.
This October, we invite all members to take part in this exciting month of learning, growth, and transformation. By investing in skills and fair employment practices, we are not just improving individual careers – we are shaping the future of South Africa’s private security sector.
CTA:
Join the conversation on social media, attend our webinars, and share your story. Together, we can build a workforce that is skilled, empowered, and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.